Right To Play October Newsletter

Right to Play Canada  – Dear Sport,

This month, we celebrated the International Day of the Girl and were reminded of the importance of education and positive environments for girls everywhere. That’s why, with the support of the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, we are using the power of play to educate and empower girls so they can live without discrimination, fear, or uncertainty about their role and value in society. 

In many of the communities where we work, gender inequality remains a serious issue, particularly when it comes to education. For girls like Gulmeena in Peshawar, Pakistan, a variety of cultural perspectives create barriers to education. While boys are encouraged to attend class regularly and even participate in extracurricular activities, girls are often expected to fulfill traditional family roles that rarely allow them to complete their education—a challenge that Gulmeena had to face last year, when her parents told her it was time for her to drop out of school.

The news devastated Gulmeena. Her dream was to graduate, and for the previous three years she had excelled as a Right To Play Junior Leader in her school. Gulmeena used the leadership, conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills that she learned through our unique games and activities to demonstrate the importance of her education to her parents. A constant support, her Right To Play Coach also worked to engage her mom and dad in dialogue about the value of girls’ education.

Their perseverance paid off. Gulmeena and her Coach convinced her parents to let her stay in school and she has since passed Grade 11 with top marks! Today, her parents are active supporters of her educational goals. 

Increasing the participation and strength of girls’ education is one of the most important steps a community can take towards gender equality. When girls are empowered to stay in school, be leaders, safeguard their health and be strong against adversity, their ability to achieve their goals is vastly improved.

Thanks to your support, thousands of girls each week are engaged in their education and empowered as leaders—both inside the classroom and beyond.

Together we can break down the barriers to gender equality and provide girls with the skills necessary to achieve their dreams.

Sincerely, 

Supporter Spotlight: McGill students get spinning in support of Right To Play!

The day was a great success, and it’s no wonder. Passersby were drawn in by energetic music, incredible sponsors, a bake sale and a professional spin instructor—not to mention the opportunity to meet Athlete Ambassador Joannie Rochette and take part in the McGill Athletics Snapchat takeover by using a custom Spin-A-Thon filter!

We are so proud and grateful to our 25 University Clubs across Canada, which work throughout the academic year to raise funds and awareness for Right To Play. To keep up with the team at McGill, follow them on social media: @RTPMcGill